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Before shopping for homes, make two lists: things you can't live without, and things that would be nice to have. Some of the most important factors to consider when buying a house are price, size, and location. Knowing your priorities ahead of time can help you act fast in a hot real estate market.



The housing market moves quickly, so knowing what you want before starting your homebuying journey is vital. This will allow you to make an offer quickly when you find a home you like — hopefully beating out the competition and snagging that dream home. Still, knowing what to look for is harder than it sounds, especially if you're a first-time homebuyer.

Not sure what to look at when starting your home search? Follow this checklist for first-time homebuyers. Location and neighborhood Location is something you're stuck with until you move, so be sure you're choosing a city, school district, and neighborhood that suits your needs. "Focus on buying in the perfect location and then make the house perfect over time," says Glen Pizzolorusso, associate real estate broker at Glen Christopher Luxury Collection in Connecticut.

You'll want a community that's within easy driving distance of work, as well as amenities your family needs — th.

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